Debbie, our Neighbor of the Week, holds a map of the Gage Canal, reflecting her lifelong dedication to preserving and sharing Riverside’s rich history. (Brenda Flowers)
Debbie moved from Inglewood to Corona in 1968 and later settled in Riverside to attend Riverside City College and California State University, San Bernardino. She spent 38 years as an educator with Riverside Unified School District and, after retiring, returned to help update the district’s third-grade curriculum on Riverside history. Through this project, she collaborated with the Riverside Historical Society and local historians Steve Lech and Glenn Wenzel, whose support was invaluable.
Her work on the curriculum deepened her connection to local history, leading her to join the Riverside Historical Society’s board as its representative on the Riverside County Historical Commission. She is also an active member of several historical organizations. Most recently, she was part of the committee that secured the Booker T. Washington/Frank Miller tablet on Mt. Rubidoux, helping to preserve and share Riverside’s rich history.
What does Riverside mean to you? Riverside has been part of my family's history since my great-great-grandfather, Johann Dietze, arrived in 1878. He taught music at the Glenwood Cottage (now the Mission Inn) and was involved with the city's early pioneers. Learning this sparked my curiosity about Riverside’s heritage, dating back to its first Indigenous residents.
As for my own story, I met and married my husband, David, in Riverside, where we also raised our two daughters, Kelsey and Mandy.
What is your favorite restaurant outside of Downtown or Magnolia Center? My husband and I love trying new places, but the Rodeo Cafe on Van Buren in Woodcrest never fails to serve a great breakfast!
What is the most beautiful building in Riverside? The Riverside County Courthouse has a regal presence, and I always find something new to appreciate every time I pass by. I collect old postcards of different places around town, and it’s one of my favorites.
What is your favorite Riverside small business? I enjoy businesses that showcase local artisans and history. Muse Market, recently opened in the Canyon Crest Towne Center, is a fun place to see local creativity and find Riverside-themed items.
What is your favorite Riverside non-profit organization? Although I love the Old Riverside Foundation and the Mission Inn Foundation, I especially appreciate the Riverside Historical Society. Its dedication to preserving local history is invaluable for future generations, and I often rely on its resources.
What is your idea of a perfect weekend day in Riverside? I enjoy special events like the Tamale Festival at White Park or the Citrus Fair at the California Citrus State Historic Park. Supporting local organizations is important, and Gless Ranch in Orangecrest is a great place to shop for food and unique citrus-themed gifts. Any day spent with my husband and daughters is a perfect day.
Do you call it the Galleria or Tyler Mall? It’s the Tyler Mall. I remember when it was built and how exciting it was to have a shopping destination nearby instead of traveling to San Bernardino or Orange County.
What is one place in Riverside you would bring back if you could? I’d love to see the Carnegie Library return. I visited the one in Corona as a child, but it’s gone now too. Photos of the Riverside library’s interior show fascinating decor.
Finally, tell us what you’re working on right now and how our readers can support your efforts—whether it’s a project, passion, or cause close to your heart! As editor for the Riverside Historical Society, I’ve been organizing writers for a book on influential Riverside women who lived between 1870 and 1970. Recognizing overlooked women in history has been a passion of mine, and the community’s support has been overwhelming. The goal is an anthology featuring women and organizations from across Riverside, highlighting their diverse contributions—many of whom were unfamiliar to me before this project. The book will be unveiled at the RHS October 2025 Book Fair.
The Riverside Historical Society is always looking for interesting articles for our yearly journal, published each October. If you have an idea, let me know!
Neighbor of the Week is our way of celebrating the hidden heroes of Riverside—those who go above and beyond to make our community stronger, kinder, and more vibrant. We believe every remarkable Riversider deserves their story told. Know someone who’s making a difference? Nominate a Neighbor of the Week
